Distinguishing Myeloma from Smoldering Myeloma

The definition of smoldering myeloma was reworked in recent years.

BY Sagar Lonial, M.D.

PUBLISHED March 12, 2018

Sagar Lonial, M.D., professor and chair of Hematology & Medical Oncology at Emory University School of Medicine, and Chief Medical Officer of the Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, discusses the classification of different types of myeloma.

The risk levels – high, moderate or low – among patients with smoldering myeloma can be determined through a bone marrow biopsy, which may affect treatment decisions. Therefore, the Myeloma Working Group reworked the classifications for myeloma and smoldering myeloma, which is an important distinction for patients and their providers to establish, Lonial said.